DRIVE Champions consist of 2 to 3 individuals who lead and run the DRIVE program. Usually, a physician or advanced practitioner leads along with a non-physician individual (such as a community leader). Together, the Champions collect the data, execute the program, and train and communicate with the other staff. 

Following the DRIVE Advisory Group meeting, Champions need to be recruited for QI activities and trained per the following DRIVE program goals

• Review the impact of clinical issues on a health system, practice, and community 
• Educate Champions about a clinical topic (eg, flu vaccination’s importance in preventing illness, hospitalization, disability and death, and how to promote vaccination in patients and community)
  • If the training program is of short duration, some educational content can be abbreviated and provided to Champions and larger practice staff at another point in time
• Develop preliminary quality improvement (QI) plan for the practice and community
• Train practice leaders in implementing change
• Inspire and nurture passion and connection for the project, QI, and population health. This sows the seeds of success and sustainability for the future

In order to run a successful Champion training, the following steps are recommended:

• Well-planned Champion training builds a real learning community, which leads to project success and sustained commitment to change and improvement 
• A successful training program produces a preliminary plan that energizes participants
• The training session(s) can be carried out and scheduled in many ways: it can range from a few hours to multiple days; by using scheduled staff meeting time; on-site or at an alternative location; consider also incorporating time for building relationships
• Trainings can be scheduled in a way that ensures all stakeholders can partake in the training according to their expertise. Namely, the Champions as well as system and community leaders who can participate in the learning, conversation, and planning

Here are some helpful elements to incorporate in a successful training:

• Invite a content expert, who is part of the health system or from an academic institution
• Consider including a patient or community stakeholder to provide different perspectives
• Schedule a working breakfast or lunch to make the meeting more convenient
• Include an individual who can manage the meeting’s time and assure everyone’s input