What You'll Learn
- How to access and use the built-in team messaging system
- The difference between channels and direct messages
- Real-time presence indicators and unread message tracking
- Fullscreen mode for focused conversations
Accessing Team Chat
The Messages page is your workspace's internal communication hub. Navigate to it from the left sidebar. When you open it, you see a split-panel layout: a channel sidebar on the left and the message area on the right.
The messaging system is built on real-time WebSocket technology, which means messages appear instantly without needing to refresh the page. This makes it suitable for quick clinical discussions, handoffs, and coordination between team members.
Channels
Channels are group conversations organized by topic, department, or purpose:
- Creating a channel — Click the create channel option in the sidebar. Give it a name and optionally a description. You are automatically added to any channel you create.
- Joining channels — When your workspace has existing channels, they appear in the sidebar. You are automatically joined to channels that include you as a member.
- Leaving channels — You can leave any channel you have joined. If the channel you leave is the one you are currently viewing, the interface automatically switches to the next available channel or direct message.
- Channel updates — Channel settings, membership, and metadata can be updated by channel members.
Direct Messages
Direct messages (DMs) are private conversations between you and one other team member. They appear in a separate section of the sidebar, below the channels list. To start a new direct message, use the DM creation option in the sidebar and select the colleague you want to message.
When you receive a new DM from someone you have not messaged before, the conversation automatically appears in your sidebar.
Real-Time Features
- Instant message delivery — Messages appear immediately for all participants in the channel or DM.
- Presence indicators — See which team members are currently online or offline. User presence updates automatically as colleagues log in and out.
- Unread counts — Each channel and DM displays a badge showing the number of unread messages. These counts update in real time and clear when you open the conversation.
- Last message preview — The sidebar shows a preview of the most recent message in each channel and DM, along with the sender and timestamp.
- Automatic reconnection — If your connection drops, the system automatically reconnects and rejoins all your channels and DMs so you do not miss messages.
The Message Area
When you select a channel or DM from the sidebar, the message area on the right shows the full conversation history. You can scroll through past messages and send new ones. If no channel is selected, you see a welcome screen prompting you to select a channel or direct message to start chatting.
Fullscreen Mode
For focused conversations or when you need more screen space, toggle fullscreen mode. This expands the messaging interface to fill your entire browser window, hiding the DeepCura sidebar and navigation. Press the fullscreen button again or use your browser's escape key to return to the normal view.
HIPAA-Compliant Communication
All messages are transmitted through DeepCura's secure infrastructure. The messaging system is designed for clinical teams and is covered under DeepCura's HIPAA compliance framework and Business Associate Agreement (BAA). You can discuss patient care coordination within your team without needing to switch to a separate, potentially non-compliant communication tool.
Quick Tips
- Create channels for specific purposes — for example, a "Referrals" channel or a "Lab Results" channel — to keep conversations organized.
- Use direct messages for quick one-on-one questions that do not need the full team's attention.
- The unread badge count only increments for messages from other users, not your own.
Next: Lesson 5.4 — The Provider Network
Next Steps
Continue to Lesson 5.4 — The Provider Network