Exploring the design & deployment of social media to support community-based rehabilitation in rural areas

While Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) programmes have demonstrated efficacy in urban settings, rural regions grapple with challenges in infrastructure, funding, and expertise. This is particularly concerning given that 60% of people in low-income nations reside in rural areas, many with pressing rehabilitation needs. In this paper, we sought to understand the needs and challenges in accessing rehabilitation in rural Thailand and the evaluation of social media in CBR delivery from key stakeholders' perspective (patients, families, healthcare professionals, and volunteers). We found that social-media-based CBR serves as a multifaceted tool, not only disseminating vital rehabilitation information but also fostering a sense of community through shared narratives, offering comfort and motivation. Social media also supports the empowerment and recognition of a village-centred approach to rehabilitation, although concerns surrounding digital safety, privacy, and trust remain critical. We contribute to the research community with design and deployment directions for social-media-based CBR support in rural areas.