*2.1. Sample*

The target sample for this pilot trial was 45 non-specialist health workers. This sample size was considered sufficient for achieving our primary goal of assessing acceptability and feasibility of the training programs [42] and was also selected to ensure we had the minimum number of participants for in-person instruction in the face-to-face training (*n* = 15). The sample included Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), ASHA Facilitators and Multi-Purpose Health Workers (MPWs) employed in the National Health Mission (Madhya Pradesh state) in India. ASHAs are all women, and a cadre of community health workers in India, introduced by the National Health Mission (NHM) in 2005 with the goal to serve as health activists in the community, create awareness on health and its social determinants, as well as to mobilize the community especially marginalized populations to increase utilization and accountability of the existing health services [43]. Each ASHA covers a population of 1000 and receives performance-based and service-based incentives as compensation for facilitating immunization, referral, and escort services for institutional deliveries [44]. ASHA Facilitators work as a support mechanism to ASHAs to provide mentoring and support and to monitor performance. One ASHA Facilitator typically works with 10 to 20 ASHAs [43]. MPWs are male health workers who are appointed primarily for the control of communicable diseases and are a key functionary at Sub-Health Centers, which are the most peripheral health facilities covering a population of 5000 to deliver preventative health services to the community [43].

Eligible non-specialist health workers who met the inclusion criteria of having age ≥18 years (the minimum age required for employment by the National Health Mission [22,45]); being a certified non-specialist health worker (i.e., ASHA, ASHA Facilitator, or MPW); having a minimum education level of 8th standard (i.e., to ensure they can read and write to access the digital program, written training materials, and complete study assessments); willing to provide written informed consent; and, willing to complete the full training program and stay in the study area during the pilot trial period. Non-specialist health workers were excluded if they had participated in prior formative research activities conducted by our research team (due to prior exposure to the training content), which we confirmed by referring to the list of non-specialist health workers provided by a National Health Mission official in the district (see below), or if they had significant speech, sight, or hearing impairment, or were unable to read or write. Smartphone ownership was not required to participate, as participants were provided with a smartphone to access the digital training programs.

#### *2.2. Recruitment Procedure*

A district National Health Mission official provided the list of non-specialist health workers from the three community health centers. Community health centers represent secondary level health services facilities designed to provide referrals as well as specialist care to rural populations [46,47]. We screened the list containing 377 health workers based on the criteria of age (18 years and above), education (8th standard and above), and non-participation in earlier formative research activities. We found a total of 302 potentially eligible health workers. From this list, our data manager randomly selected 92 potentially eligible health workers using the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) software [48]. Research assistants then contacted these potentially eligible health workers by phone to confirm their interest and availability to participate in this pilot study.

Potentially eligible non-specialist health workers were invited to attend a group information session at a nearby community health center to learn more about the study. The research team organized the group information session to describe the purpose of the study and to inform participants that this study involves collaboration with the National Health Mission. The information session also served as a way to explain what the training involves, the study procedures, and the pre- and post-training assessments. This was also an opportunity for participants to ask questions about the study, and to emphasize that their decision to participate was completely voluntary. After the group information session, non-specialist health workers who expressed interest in participating confirmed their eligibility criteria (age and education), and were provided with an information sheet and completed individual written-informed consent. During the individual consent process, health workers were informed that their decision to participate or withdraw from the study at any time would not have any adverse consequences on their current standing as a health worker or their employment status, and that any data collected during the study would be kept confidential and that no identifiable results would be shared with the health system or others outside the research team.
