Sometimes the information you need a Mini to work with isn't already on the timeline. It might be a PDF a family has just sent through, an assessment template you want the Mini to follow, or a previous report from another provider. Adding files to a chat gives the Mini that extra context for an hour, so it can read, summarise, score, or draft from documents you have on hand.
When to use this
Summarising an external report a family or other provider has sent through, without retyping it.
Scoring an assessment like a Functional Capacity Assessment using a scoring guide and blank template you've uploaded.
Loading previous reports so the Mini has richer context before you start a new piece of work.
Working from initial assessments that live outside the CMS, dragging them straight into Minikai.
Drafting a reply to a family email by uploading the original message.
Following specific legislation or guidelines while the Mini helps you write.
How it works
When you attach a file to a chat, the Mini reads it and holds onto it for one hour. After the hour is up, the file is removed and you'll need to upload it again if you want to keep using it. Files only apply to that one Mini chat, they aren't shared with other Minis, other users, or saved to the timeline.
Step 1: Open the right Mini
Files only stay inside that one chat, so make sure you've got the right Mini open before you attach anything. Take a quick look at the name and photo at the top of the screen, especially if the document is sensitive.
Step 2: Click the attachment icon
In the bottom left corner of the chat text box, you'll see an attachment icon. Click it to open the file picker, or drag a file straight from your computer onto the chat.
You can add up to three files at once. Supported types are PDF, Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), CSV, Markdown, plain text, and images.
Step 4: Ask the Mini what you need
With the file attached, ask the Mini whatever you'd normally ask. A short instruction telling the Mini what to do with the file usually works best, for example "use the FCA scoring guide I've uploaded to score this assessment for Daniel" or "read this email from Maria's daughter and draft a reply".
Step 3: Check the file in the side panel
Once the file is uploaded, it appears in the right hand side panel so you can see exactly what the Mini has access to. If you've uploaded the wrong file, click the small remove icon next to it to take it out of the chat. You can do this at any time.
If you're still working with the file after an hour, just upload it again. Anything the Mini has already written stays in the chat even after the file is gone.
⚠️ Check the Mini and the output: Make sure you're in the right person's Mini before attaching anything sensitive, and always review what the Mini produces from a file before using it in care documentation or sending it to a family. Names, dates, and scores all need your eye.
ℹ️ Good to know: Files added to a chat are temporary context, not permanent records. Larger files use up more of the Mini's context, so upload the section you actually need rather than a 200 page bundle. If you want a document to stick around as part of someone's permanent record, add it to the timeline instead. Learn how to add records →
Need help?
Stuck on a file that won't upload, or not sure whether to attach a document or add it to the timeline? Message us through the Help Desk in the app, we're happy to help.