How to plan a step-up (phased) protocol schedule

Updated 2026-10-15 · The Pep Planner

Many research protocols do not stay the same from start to finish. They move through phases, each a little different from the last. Planning those phases up front keeps you organized and gives you a clear record afterward. This guide is about organizing a plan, not about what amounts to use.

Write every phase down before you start

List each phase in order with three things:

The amount for that phase
How often (daily, every few days, weekly)
How long the phase lasts (for example 4 weeks)

Decide your rules for moving up

Before you begin, note what has to be true to move to the next phase, and what would make you hold or step back. Deciding ahead of time keeps choices consistent instead of made on the spot.

Log how each phase went

Keep short daily notes: what you did, anything you noticed, and any day you missed. When it is time to move up, you can look back at the whole phase instead of relying on memory.

Check your supply against the plan

Later phases often use more per week. Add up what the remaining phases need and compare it to what you have, so you can reorder in time.

How The Pep Planner handles phases

In The Pep Planner you add each step when building a protocol. The protocol card shows the current step and what comes next, with buttons to step up, stay, or step back, and every change is saved in the protocol history. Saved protocols live in your library, so you can reuse a plan later.

Common questions

Can I change the plan once I have started?

Yes. You can hold a phase longer, step back, or edit future steps. Keeping a record of each change is what matters.

Does the app tell me what amounts to use?

No. The Pep Planner is an organizer and tracker. You enter your own plan; it does not give medical advice.

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