Quality of stepped-wedge trial reporting can be reliably assessed using an updated CONSORT: crowd-sourcing systematic review

•The stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial (SW-CRT) is a novel cluster randomized trial variant that is increasingly being used.•The design has many methodological complexities, which increase its risk of bias.•This article reports a baseline assessment of the quality of reporting according to this new guideline using a novel crowdsourcing methodology.•This review has been produced with involvement with many of the leading experts in this study design.•We are in the position of being ahead of the curve with great potential to improve reporting of this innovative design by revealing where quality is currently lacking before its widespread use.