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Driver diagram example: reducing readmissions template

A driver diagram connects an improvement aim to the things that influence it and the changes a team could test. This example works through reducing 30-day emergency readmissions from medical wards, with three primary drivers, six secondary drivers, a change idea for each and the outcome, process and balancing measures.

This is a planning example for process improvement, not clinical guidance. Follow your organisation's policies and clinical protocols.

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Driver diagram example: reducing readmissions example showing aim with a target and date, primary and secondary drivers, change ideas and three types of measure
Everything in this example is editable. Replace the labels, move the shapes and adapt the layout to your work.

How to use this template

  1. Make the aim specific

    State what will improve, by how much and by when. A specific aim helps the team agree which drivers matter and stops the diagram growing into a list of everything that might help.

  2. Work right to left

    For each secondary driver, ask the staff who do the work what change they could test. Change ideas that come from the ward are more likely to be tried than ideas handed down.

  3. Link ideas to measures

    Check that each change idea has a process measure you can collect. Keep the outcome measure on the board too, so the team can see whether the tests are adding up to the aim.

Questions about this template

How do I read this diagram from left to right?

Start with the aim, then follow each primary driver to its secondary drivers and on to the change ideas that act on them. The measures show how you will know each change is working.

Do I need an account to use it?

No. Open the template and edit it in your browser. Your work saves on this device. An account is optional if you want to sync your workspace.

Can I export the finished diagram?

Yes. Use Export in the editor to save a PNG, SVG or PDF, or download an editable .epicdraw backup.

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