Introduction: The ASEAN Joint Research on Hospital Safety Index (HSI) is one of the implementations of the start-up program under the ASEAN Academic Network on Disaster Health Management (AANDHM). The objective of this joint research is to analyze the implementation of the self-assessment Hospital Safety Index (HSI) for safe hospital evaluation in ASEAN countries. However, conducting multinational research presents unique challenges. Methods: This study employs a narrative approach to analyze the challenge of ASEAN joint research implementation. Results: The findings indicate three key challenges. First is the challenge of choosing a methodology that is both rigorous and universally applicable in diverse multinational settings. This diversity necessitated several changes and modifications of the research methodology in the proposals, adding substantial delays to project timelines. Secondly, email communication for participant recruitment presents challenges, whereas direct meetings and facilitation by the ARCH Project have proven valuable for initiating further engagement. A third challenge concerns the ethical clearance (EC) process. Understanding and adhering to the various Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols of each participating country was time-consuming and complex. The Fifth Meeting of the Steering Committee for AANDHM recommended that the research team follow EC and IRB procedures according to their country’s regulations, while participants are only required to undergo EC review if mandated by their country. This guidance helps resolve the EC confusion that stalled the joint research process. Conclusion: This study reveals that selecting methodologies applied in different contexts of disaster health management and diverse IRB protocols poses significant challenges to the ASEAN Joint Research on Hospital Safety Index. Addressing these issues is essential for developing regional mechanisms for the promotion of joint research activities. Future recommendations include training on developing research methodology, developing efficient communication platforms, and conducting surveys on EC guidelines across ASEAN to enhance research collaboration.
Kosim et al. (Sun,) studied this question.