> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.encoreos.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Messages

> Secure in-platform messaging hub for staff conversations, accessible at /messaging. Portal patients access their messages at /portal/messages.

Messages is the platform messaging page at `/messaging` that provides a real-time `ChatPanel` interface for staff conversations. A second route, `/portal/messages`, serves portal-authenticated patients with a separate secure messaging experience.

## Overview

**Staff messaging (`/messaging`):** Renders `MessagingPage` with a full-screen `ChatPanel`. Guarded by `pf.messaging.view`. Deep-linking to a specific conversation uses `/messaging/:conversationId` (see [Message Thread](/pf/message-thread)).

**Portal messages (`/portal/messages`):** Renders `PortalMessagesPage` (from `@/cores/pm/pages/portal`). Displays a conversation list and a message composer for portal-authenticated patients. Uses `usePortalConversations` and `usePortalSendMessage` hooks. This route is nested under `/portal` in `src/routes/pm.tsx`.

## Who it's for

**Staff messaging:** Requires permission `pf.messaging.view`.

**Portal messages:** Access follows your organization's role and module configuration. — access is controlled by portal authentication (portal layout from `src/routes/pm.tsx`).

## Before you start

**Staff:** You must hold `pf.messaging.view`.

**Portal patients:** Must be logged in to the patient portal (`/portal`).

## Steps

### Staff messaging

1. Navigate to `/messaging`.
2. Select or start a conversation in `ChatPanel`.
3. Type and send messages in the thread.

### Portal messages

1. Log in to the patient portal at `/portal`.
2. Navigate to **Messages** (`/portal/messages`).
3. Select a conversation from the list.
4. Compose and send a message using the message input.

## Related

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Platform Foundation" icon="layer-group" href="/pf/overview">
    Platform Foundation overview.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Governance & parity" icon="scale-balanced" href="/governance/index" />
</Columns>

<Note>
  This page documents shipped product behavior. It is not medical, legal, or
  billing advice. Verify against your organization's policies and applicable
  regulations before using it for clinical, compliance, or billing decisions.
  Protected health information (PHI) shown in the product is governed by your
  tenant's access controls and is never exposed in this documentation.
</Note>

<Accordion title="Documentation sources">
  * src/routes/platform.tsx
  * src/platform/messaging/pages/MessagingPage.tsx
  * src/routes/pm.tsx
  * src/cores/pm/pages/portal/PortalMessagesPage.tsx
</Accordion>