Early experience of peer advocate program: using quality improvement to optimize behavioral and communication disconnect in the operating room.

Peer messenger programs have been shown to be effective at reducing unprofessional behavior. This article describes the development, implementation, and sustainment of a peer advocate (PA) program for operating room staff who report unprofessional behavior in a team member. The goal of the program is to reduce unprofessional behavior and repair damaged relationships. In the program's first two years, 39 instances of unprofessional behavior were reported, with more than half successfully resolved through the PA program without further escalation to leadership or human resources.