Scoping reviews: an approach to co-creation through consultation

This paper introduces ‘co-creation through consultation’, a method providing structured direction for implementing, reporting and evaluating knowledge user engagement in scoping reviews. Drawing on our experience conducting a Best Evidence in Medical Education (BEME) scoping review, we retrospectively detail our ‘co-creation through consultation’ method. We outline our preparation, engagement strategies and ongoing consultation processes, highlighting knowledge user recruitment and methodological considerations. Our reflections underscore the significant influence of the impact of engaged research on the review’s outcomes and demonstrate the relevance and applicability of our scoping review findings. Our structured approach allowed for meaningful input from knowledge users without extensive time commitments. We present our approach with the intention of advancing the processes of engaging knowledge users in scoping reviews. We also advocate for transparent reporting of engagement processes in health professions education scoping reviews to promote evidence-informed practices.