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Driver diagram

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A driver diagram is a visual tool that helps you set out your theory of change.

What is it?

A driver diagram shows what you think needs to change in your system to achieve your improvement aim, and how your change ideas link to that aim.

A driver diagram usually includes:

  • An improvement aim: what you want to improve, for whom, by how much and by when
  • Primary drivers: the main areas that need to change to achieve the aim. These are often linked to processes, people, culture, infrastructure or ways of working
  • Secondary drivers: more specific parts of each primary driver that you can influence
  • Change ideas: practical ideas that teams can test to see whether they contribute to improvement
A blank driver diagram template used for planning improvement work. The diagram is arranged in four columns from left to right: Aim, Primary Drivers, Secondary Drivers, and Change Ideas. A large blank box on the left is used to record the overall aim. Four primary driver boxes are connected to the aim, with secondary driver boxes linked to each primary driver. Multiple change idea boxes are connected to the secondary drivers. Arrows and connecting lines show how change ideas influence secondary drivers, secondary drivers influence primary drivers, and primary drivers contribute to achieving the overall aim. Explanatory headings at the top of each column describe the relationship between the different sections.
Why use this tool?

Driver diagrams help teams move from a broad improvement aim to a clear, shared plan for action. They can help you:

  • build a shared understanding of what needs to change
  • show how your change ideas link to your improvement aim
  • focus your time and resources on the changes most likely to make a difference
  • identify useful outcome and process measures
  • communicate your improvement plan clearly with others
Where does this tool fit in the improvement journey?
Understanding systems icon
Developing aims icon

This tool is relevant at these stages of the quality improvement journey.

Leadership and teams
Project management and communications icon
Measurement icon

It is also relevant to the three themes that support your journey.

The quality improvement journey
How to use it

A driver diagram template can be downloaded below. You can also start by using flip chart paper with sticky notes or an online whiteboard.

  1. Gather a range of perspectives
    Involve people who understand different parts of the system. This will help you build a fuller and more accurate picture of what needs to change.
  2. Add your aim statement
    Write your improvement aim on the left-hand side of the diagram. This helps keep the discussion focused on a shared goal.
  3. Brainstorm what needs to change
    Ask the team what needs to be in place to achieve the aim. At this stage, focus on generating ideas rather than judging or prioritising them.
  4. Identify your primary drivers
    Group related ideas into broad themes. These become your primary drivers. They should describe the main parts of the system that need to change.
  5. Identify your secondary drivers
    Break each primary driver down into more specific areas. These should help you move from broad themes to practical areas where you can take action.
  6. Capture change ideas
    Identify change ideas linked to your secondary drivers. These should be practical ideas that you can test using PDSA cycles.
  7. Use and update your driver diagram
    Use your driver diagram to guide action, communicate your change theory and identify measures. Revisit it regularly as your project develops and update it as you learn more.
Resouces to download