In addition to the Health Intervention Trials (HIT) activity, the Cross-border Healthcare Interventions Trials in Ireland Network (CHITIN) will also foster the development and expansion of health research infrastructure and the delivery of a training programme to enhance capability and capacity to deliver further health research, thus creating a legacy for future research across the defined geographical region i.e. Northern Ireland and the border region of Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth in the Republic of Ireland (RoI).
Through the CHITIN project and formation of the network it is anticipated that the legacy will be improved equity of access to involvement in HITs, whether that be through delivery or participation, in a setting most appropriate to need within the defined area. CHITIN aims to achieve this through creation of a cadre of skilled researchers, including healthcare professionals and patient and public stakeholders, with the ability to participate in and lead on bids for research funding to bring further HIT activity to the eligible area to impact both service users and the healthcare professionals who are delivering the services.