Scoping Review of Co-Design in Mental Health Research: Essential Elements and Recommendations

Co-design is increasingly being adopted within mental health service design and delivery, but is less common in research. Co-design ensures that research is relevant and benefits people accessing services. This review examined frameworks, models, and/or guidelines for co-designing mental health research, asking: (a) How is co-design defined? (b) What are the elements, values, and design tools? (c) What recommendations are proposed? A scoping review of peer-reviewed and gray literature on co-design in mental health research was undertaken and narratively synthesized. A total of 28 studies were included, showing varied understandings of co-design. Key values included social justice, recognizing lived experience as expertise, and fostering safe and trusting relationships. Traditional academic structures often hinder co-design; however, innovative research methods have shown potential. Recommendations and strategies to overcome barriers are provided. To enhance the adoption of co-design in mental health research, clearer terminology and agreed-upon values and processes are needed.