NHS Education for Scotland: Driver diagram

Summary

A driver diagram visually presents a team's theory of how an improvement goal will be achieved.

Content

A simple visual display that outlines and logically connects:

• An improvement aim that quantifies what better will look like, for who and by when.
• A small number of Primary drivers that focus on the key components of the system/main areas of influence that need to change to achieve the aim. These are often associated with process, infrastructure, norms (culture) and people.
• Secondary drivers that break primary drivers down in to natural subsections or processes. They provide more detail on where interventions to positively influence the primary drivers are required.
• Change ideas – these are the specific ideas that teams can test to see if they influence the secondary drivers and ultimately the aim.