Canvas messaging facilitates seamless intra-office communication and task management, offering tools like direct messaging, patient and staff references, and announcements via Canvas Bot. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for using Canvas messaging features to streamline communication and enhance efficiency.

User's Guide

Using Canvas Chat

Canvas Chat is located at the bottom right of the screen throughout Canvas

• Access Canvas Chat: Canvas Chat is located at the bottom right of the screen throughout Canvas.

• Open the Contact List: Click on Canvas Chat to display the contact list.

• Select a Contact: Click on a name to open a chat window.

  • The contact list is organized by the most recent messages sent or received.

  • Contacts include individual users and any teams the user is part of. Messaging a team sends the message to all team members.

• Send a Message: Type the desired message in the press Enter to send

Chat Functionality

• Direct References:

  • Use # to reference a patient

  • Use @ to reference a staff member

• Quick Access:

  • Click on a referenced patient name in a message to open the patient's chart.

  • Click on a referenced staff name to open a direct chat window with that staff member.

• Status Indicators:

  • A green dot next to a name in the contact list indicates that the person is currently logged into Canvas.

Creating Announcements Using Canvas Bot

Announcements are made by sending a message to Canvas Bot using the following format:

• Create an announcement: Begin the message with /announce followed by the announcement text. Press Enter to send the announcement.

  • /announce Lunch will arrive at 12PM. Pick up your order in the break room.

• View Announcement: The announcement will display in the Canvas Bot chat window for all staff members to view.

Creating Tasks Using Canvas Bot

Tasks are created by the user sending a message to Canvas Bot using the following format:

• Initiate a Task: Begin the message with /task.

• Assign the Task: Use the @ symbol to select the staff member or team to send the task

• Define the Task: Type the task title or details

  1. /task @me follow up with #Joan Jones

  2. /task @Beau Gunderson scan documents for #Bob Smith by 3/6/2025

• Send the Task:

  • Press Enter to create and assign the task.

  • The task immediately appears in the assignee's Task List.

Set Up & Configuration

Disabling Canvas Chat

Canvas Chat is enabled by default for all instances. To disable Canvas Chat:

• Navigate to Constance: Config under Settings.

• Locate the ENABLE_CANVAS_CHAT setting under the Messaging Configuration heading.

• Uncheck the Value box and save.

To re-enable Canvas Chat:

• Follow the same steps and check the box for the ENABLE_CANVAS_CHAT setting.

  

FAQ & Troubleshooting

Q: Can Canvas Chat be disabled for my practice?
A: Yes, administrators can disable Canvas Chat by adjusting the ENABLE_CANVAS_CHAT setting under Constance: Config.

Q: How can I create a task for myself using Canvas Bot?
A: Use /task @me [task details] to create a personal task that will appear in your Task List.

Q: Can I reference patients and staff in messages?
A: Yes, use # to reference a patient and @ to reference a staff member directly within a message.

Keywords & Metadata

• Keywords: Canvas messaging, Canvas Chat, Canvas Bot, communication, task management, intra-office chat, direct messaging, patient reference, staff reference
• Categories: Messaging, Communication Tools, Task Management