Added the appointments page with Backend logic

APPOINTMENT_SYSTEM_README.md

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+# Appointment System - Backend & Frontend Integration
+
+## Overview
+This document describes the complete appointment booking system implemented for the InfantCareCompass application, including both backend and frontend components.
+
+## Backend Implementation
+
+### 1. Database Model
+- **File**: `server/models/Appointment.js`
+- **Schema**: MongoDB schema with fields for patient, doctor, date, time, type, status, and notes
+- **Features**: Automatic timestamp updates, status validation, and reference relationships
+
+### 2. API Controller
+- **File**: `server/controller/appointmentController.js`
+- **Endpoints**:
+  - `POST /api/appointments` - Create new appointment
+  - `GET /api/appointments/user/:patientId` - Get user's appointments
+  - `GET /api/appointments/doctor/:doctorId` - Get doctor's appointments
+  - `PATCH /api/appointments/:id/status` - Update appointment status
+  - `PATCH /api/appointments/:id/cancel` - Cancel appointment
+  - `DELETE /api/appointments/:id` - Delete appointment (admin only)
+  - `GET /api/appointments/available-slots` - Get available time slots
+
+### 3. Routes Configuration
+- **File**: `server/routes/routes.js`
+- **Middleware**: Authentication required for most endpoints
+- **Admin Access**: Delete operations require admin privileges
+
+## Frontend Implementation
+
+### 1. Appointments Page
+- **File**: `client/src/pages/Appointments.jsx`
+- **Features**:
+  - Dynamic doctor loading from backend
+  - Real-time available time slot checking
+  - Form validation and error handling
+  - Authentication state management
+  - Responsive design with Tailwind CSS
+
+### 2. API Integration
+- **Proxy Configuration**: `client/vite.config.js` forwards `/api` calls to backend
+- **State Management**: Redux integration for user authentication
+- **Error Handling**: Comprehensive error messages and loading states
+
+## Key Features
+
+### 1. Smart Time Slot Management
+- Automatically checks for conflicts when booking
+- Updates available slots based on date and doctor selection
+- Prevents double-booking of time slots
+
+### 2. Authentication & Authorization
+- Users must be logged in to book appointments
+- Doctor information is fetched dynamically
+- Admin-only operations for appointment management
+
+### 3. Real-time Validation
+- Date restrictions (no past dates)
+- Time slot availability checking
+- Form field dependencies (time slots depend on date/doctor)
+
+## API Endpoints
+
+### Create Appointment
+```http
+POST /api/appointments
+Authorization: Bearer <token>
+Content-Type: application/json
+
+{
+  "patientId": "user_id",
+  "doctorId": "doctor_id", 
+  "appointmentDate": "2024-01-15",
+  "appointmentTime": "10:00 AM",
+  "appointmentType": "Well-child visit",
+  "notes": "Optional notes"
+}
+```
+
+### Get Available Time Slots
+```http
+GET /api/appointments/available-slots?doctorId=123&date=2024-01-15
+```
+
+### Get User Appointments
+```http
+GET /api/appointments/user/:patientId
+Authorization: Bearer <token>
+```
+
+## Setup Instructions
+
+### 1. Backend Setup
+1. Ensure MongoDB is running
+2. Install dependencies: `npm install`
+3. Set environment variables in `.env`
+4. Start server: `npm start`
+
+### 2. Frontend Setup
+1. Install dependencies: `npm install`
+2. Start development server: `npm run dev`
+3. Backend should be running on port 5000
+
+### 3. Database Requirements
+- MongoDB instance running
+- User and Doctor collections populated
+- Proper indexes on appointment fields
+
+## Security Features
+
+- JWT token authentication
+- CORS configuration for production
+- Input validation and sanitization
+- Role-based access control
+- Rate limiting considerations
+
+## Future Enhancements
+
+- Email notifications for appointments
+- Calendar integration
+- Recurring appointment support
+- Payment processing
+- Video call integration
+- SMS reminders
+
+## Testing
+
+Test the system by:
+1. Creating a user account
+2. Logging in to get authentication token
+3. Navigating to `/appointments`
+4. Selecting date, doctor, and time
+5. Submitting the appointment form
+6. Verifying the appointment appears in the database
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### Common Issues:
+1. **CORS errors**: Check backend CORS configuration
+2. **Authentication failures**: Verify JWT token in localStorage
+3. **Time slot conflicts**: Check appointment model validation
+4. **Database connection**: Verify MongoDB connection string
+
+### Debug Steps:
+1. Check browser console for frontend errors
+2. Check server logs for backend errors
+3. Verify API endpoints are accessible
+4. Check database connectivity