CRUATHLON: A Fun Format for Successful Continuing Education
22 October 2026
Bon O 1, Sigward E 2, Marchaud A 1, Danjean S 3 , Trevis S 4, Chevrier R 5, Picandet S 6, Talavera S 7, Demaziere A 8, Simand A 9, Bigot A 10, Gareau M 11, Etis M 12, Ragazzon C 11. CH Emile Roux, Le Puy en Velay, France
2. CH Montluçon-Néris-les-Bains, Montluçon, France
3. CH Moulin-Yzeure, France
4. CHU Clermont-Ferrand, France
5. Centre Jean-Perrin, Clermont-Ferrand, France
6. Hôpital privé Saint-François, Montluçon, France
7. CH Thiers, France
8. CH Vichy, France
9. Pôle Santé République ELSAN, Clermont-Ferrand, France
10. CH Henri Mondor, Aurillac, France
11. CH Ambert, France
12. CH Roanne, France
Background
According to Good Compounding Practice (GCP), “compounding must be carried out under the pharmacist’s supervision by competent and qualified individuals who have received continuing education appropriate to the tasks performed.” Accordingly, each year, institutions in the region organize an interactive competition: the CRUATHLON, to train hospital pharmacy technicians (HPT).
Objectives
To create a game for the continuing education of HPTs and to identify areas requiring further development.
Materials and Methods
We created a survey to gather feedback from HPTs. Based on their preferences, the game format was selected and rules were established. The game questions were validated. An initial phase was implemented at each center. The three top teams from the initial phase were selected for a final phase, with all hospitals observing the competition.
Results
Feedback was collected from 40 HTPs. 72.5% expressed a preference for a game-based format. Regarding the topics covered, 58% wanted to deepen their knowledge of new molecules, and 33% wanted a refresher on GCP. Ultimately, a card game based on the game “How would you rate yourself?” was created. Thirty cards with 150 questions were designed, evenly distributed across five themes: (1) new molecules, (2) hygiene/sterility, (3) quality controls, (4) new technologies, and (5) Good Compounding Practice. 12 centers participated in this CRUATHLON, with a total of 41 pairs. After the initial phase, the average, minimum, and maximum scores were as follows: 13.2/20, 18.4/20, and 9.2/20. The theme was randomly chosen a die (number 1 = 1st theme, etc., number 6 = theme of choice). First Theme was played 46 times (average: 13.5/20); second theme 2: 50 times (average: 16.2/20); 3rd theme: 40 times (average: 12.7/20); 4th theme 4: 35 times (average: 9.5/20); and 5th theme: 34 times (average: 13.4/20). During the final phase, all hospitals gathered, but only the top three teams from the initial phase participated in the game, which consisted of speed-based questions on the topics covered in the initial phase. Finally, a satisfaction survey was distributed; the feedback was positive and included suggestions for improvement for the next training session.
Discussion/Conclusion
The most successful topic was hygiene and sterility; the least successful was new technologies. This format is a relevant tool for continuing education because it is both fun and challenging. A pre- and post-assessment could be added to evaluate its effectiveness. The results highlight topics that could serve as the basis for a specialized training program. A handbook containing the questions and key points was distributed during the final phase. This game could be used by other centers or for the training of pharmacy residents.