Implement a robust URL state handling mechanism

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 121 views

BUG: Incorrect URL State Handling When Switching Between Tabs on Encounter Patient Page

As healthcare professionals navigate through the Encounter Patient Page, they often rely on the correct URL state handling to ensure seamless transitions between tabs. However, a critical bug has been identified, affecting the URL structure when switching between tabs, particularly when navigating between parallel tabs and sub-tabs. In this article, we will delve into the details of this bug, its expected behavior, and the necessary steps to reproduce it.

When navigating between parallel tabs (e.g., Files → Plots), the URL updates correctly (e.g., /files → /plots). However, when clicking on an additional sub-tab inside Files, the URL changes to /files/subtab, and switching back to Plots (or other tab) results in a different URL (/files/plots) instead of the expected /plots. This incorrect URL structure causes navigation breaks or inconsistencies, hindering the user experience.

To reproduce this behavior, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Encounters page

Navigate to the Encounters page, where you can select a patient to view their details.

Step 2: Select a patient

Choose a patient from the list to view their encounter details.

Step 3: Navigate to the Files tab

Click on the Files tab to access the patient's files.

Step 4: Click on one of the additional navigation buttons

Inside the Files tab, there are two additional navigation buttons. Click on one of these buttons to access the sub-tab.

Step 5: Observe the URL change and navigation inconsistencies

After clicking on the sub-tab, the URL changes to /files/subtab. Now, if you click on outside tabs parallel to the File tab, navigation breaks or becomes inconsistent due to the incorrect URL structure.

The expected behavior is as follows:

Clicking on Files should always set the URL to /files.
Clicking on Plots should always set the URL to /plots, regardless of previous sub-tabs.
Clicking inside Files (on sub-tabs) should modify only the sub-state (/files/subtab), but it should reset properly when switching back to a parallel tab.

For a visual representation of this bug, please refer to the following screenshots:

https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/31e750c6-68b0-4bc2-89f8-0a44a243cbb6

To request assignment, please clearly outline your solution and timeline by commenting on the issue using the format below:

Describe your solution clearly:

Provide a detailed explanation of your proposed solution, including your approach, key implementation steps, and relevant examples or references. Mention any dependencies, assumptions, or risks you foresee that might affect your timeline or implementation.

Expected Timeline:

End date: [Expected submission date of a completed Pull Request]

Additional Context:

Include any other relevant context, links, screenshots, or resources that support your proposed solution.

🚨 Your assignment may be unassigned if there is no activity or progress within the stated timeline unless communicated clearly and agreed upon.

To resolve this bug, we need to implement a solution that ensures correct URL state handling when switching between tabs, particularly when navigating between parallel tabs and sub-tabs. Here's a proposed solution:

Solution:

Implement a robust URL state handling mechanism: Develop a mechanism that accurately updates the URL when switching between tabs, taking into account the sub-tab state.
Use a consistent URL structure: Ensure that the URL structure remains consistent, even when navigating between parallel tabs and sub-tabs.
Reset sub-tab state properly: When switching back to a parallel tab, reset the sub-tab state properly to avoid navigation inconsistencies.

Timeline:

Day 1-3: Implement the robust URL state handling mechanism and consistent URL structure.
Day 4-6: Test and refine the solution to ensure proper sub-tab state resetting.
Day 7: Submit a completed Pull Request with the solution.

The bug identified in this article affects the URL state handling when switching between tabs on the Encounter Patient Page. To resolve this issue, we need to implement a solution that ensures correct URL state handling, consistent URL structure, and proper sub-tab state resetting. By following the proposed solution and timeline, we can resolve this bug and provide a seamless user experience for healthcare professionals navigating through the Encounter Patient Page.
BUG: Incorrect URL State Handling When Switching Between Tabs on Encounter Patient Page - Q&A

In our previous article, we discussed the bug affecting the URL state handling when switching between tabs on the Encounter Patient Page. To further clarify the issue and provide a better understanding of the solution, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers.

Q1: What is the root cause of the bug?

A1: The root cause of the bug is the incorrect URL state handling mechanism, which fails to update the URL properly when switching between tabs, particularly when navigating between parallel tabs and sub-tabs.

Q2: What are the expected behaviors for the URL state handling?

A2: The expected behaviors for the URL state handling are as follows:

Clicking on Files should always set the URL to /files.
Clicking on Plots should always set the URL to /plots, regardless of previous sub-tabs.
Clicking inside Files (on sub-tabs) should modify only the sub-state (/files/subtab), but it should reset properly when switching back to a parallel tab.

Q3: How can I reproduce the bug?

A3: To reproduce the bug, follow these steps:

Open the Encounters page.
Select a patient.
Navigate to the Files tab.
Click on one of the additional navigation buttons.
Observe the URL change and navigation inconsistencies.

Q4: What is the impact of the bug on the user experience?

A4: The bug causes navigation breaks or inconsistencies, hindering the user experience. Users may encounter difficulties in navigating between tabs and sub-tabs, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.

Q5: How can I request assignment to resolve the bug?

A5: To request assignment, please clearly outline your solution and timeline by commenting on the issue using the format below:

Describe your solution clearly: Provide a detailed explanation of your proposed solution, including your approach, key implementation steps, and relevant examples or references.
Expected Timeline: Include the expected submission date of a completed Pull Request.
Additional Context: Include any other relevant context, links, screenshots, or resources that support your proposed solution.

Q6: What is the proposed solution to resolve the bug?

A6: The proposed solution involves implementing a robust URL state handling mechanism, using a consistent URL structure, and resetting the sub-tab state properly when switching back to a parallel tab.

Q7: What is the timeline for resolving the bug?

A7: The timeline for resolving the bug is as follows:

Day 1-3: Implement the robust URL state handling mechanism and consistent URL structure.
Day 4-6: Test and refine the solution to ensure proper sub-tab state resetting.
Day 7: Submit a completed Pull Request with the solution.

Q8: How can I contribute to resolving the bug?

A8: If you are interested in contributing to resolving the bug, please comment on the issue with your proposed solution and timeline. We will review your proposal and provide feedback to help you move forward.

The bug affecting the URL state handling when switching between tabs on the Encounter Patient Page is a critical issue that requires immediate attention. By understanding the root cause of the bug, expected behaviors, and proposed solution, we can work together to resolve this issue and provide a seamless user experience for healthcare professionals navigating through the Encounter Patient Page.