This article outlines how to create a tapered medication order schedule, including using both the automatic scheduling feature and the option to manually enter start dates for each taper part.
Step 1:
In the medication order, select "Taper Schedule" from the Medication Order Type dropdown.
Step 2:
Review the dates at the top of the first taper section. Select "Manually control each part’s start dates" if the taper includes continuous doses. If this option is not selected, dates will be automatically scheduled based on the first and last dose entered for each individual taper part.
or
Step 3:
Enter the medication details for the first taper part, including dosage, frequency, and administration information. Set the First Dose and Last Dose dates. Add any additional instructions or required documentation if applicable.
This is where the difference between scheduling a taper with or without manually controlling each part’s start date becomes visible. In the screenshots below, when this option is checked, the first dose per part does not automatically populate. When it is not checked, the first dose is grayed out in the next taper section because it is automatically set to the end date of the previous taper.
With the box checked:
With the box unchecked:
Step 5:
Select "Add Another Part" to add as many parts as needed for the taper
Step 6:
Once all taper parts are complete, select "Save."
