For Patients
Send messages to healthcare providers and join video consultations
For Providers
Communicate with patients through chat and conduct video consultations
Core Features
- Direct Messaging: 1-to-1 communication between patients and providers
- Real-time Messaging: Instant message delivery
- Mobile Responsive: Works on desktop and mobile devices
- Appointment-Based Calls: Video calls through scheduled appointments
- Waiting Room: Patients wait until provider starts the call
- Provider Initiation: Providers start calls with “Start meeting” button
User Workflows
- Patient Journey
- Provider Workflow
1
Access Messages
Navigate to Chat from patient dashboard or upcoming appointment card
2
Select Recipient
Click “Join call” button
3
Compose Message
Enter waiting room and wait for provider to start the call
4
Send & Track
Join video call or send chat and wait for response
5
Receive Response
View provider responses and interact with provider during video calls
Usual Component Interactions
The Chat component integrates with other components: Core Integration:- Patient Dashboard: Links to /chat for messaging
- Provider Dashboard: Links to /chat for messaging
- Appointment Booking: Cannot create appointments from messages
- Prescription Management: No refill request handling through messaging
- Lab Results: No secure result delivery through messaging
- Billing Integration: No billing inquiries through messaging
- Telehealth: Video calls are separate, not integrated with chat
Required Services
This component requires the following external services to be configured:- Supabase: Database for user authentication and CometChat user mapping
- CometChat: Provides chat and video calling functionality
NEXT_PUBLIC_COMETCHAT_APP_IDNEXT_PUBLIC_COMETCHAT_REGIONNEXT_PUBLIC_COMETCHAT_AUTH_KEY