The PNDS Model
The PNDS model as a whole illustrates the dynamic nature of the
perioperative patient experience and the nursing presence
throughout that process. 
The PNDS Model consists of four domains:
- Behavioral responses
- Patient safety
- Physiologic responses
- The health system
The components of the model are in continuous interaction with the health system, encircling the focus of perioperative nursing practice: the patient. The fourth domain, the health system, is comprised of the structural data elements and focuses on clinical processes and outcomes.
Various areas of the patient care experience have the potential to comprise the behavioral responses, patient safety, and physiological responses The highest areas of concern to perioperative nurses and the needs of surgical patients include:
- Nursing diagnoses
- Nursing interventions
- Nurse-sensitive patient outcomes
Working in a collaborative manner with other members of the health care team and the patient, the nurse establishes outcomes, identifies nursing diagnoses, and provides nursing care.
The nurse can then intervene within the context of the health care system to assist the patient to achieve the highest attainable health (physiological, behavioral, and safety) outcomes throughout the perioperative experience.
The PNDS Model Related Articles
Beyea, S. C. (Ed.) (2000), Perioperative Nursing Data Set. Denver, CO: AORN, Inc.
Kleinbeck, S.V.M., (2000), Dimensions of Perioperative Nursing for a National Specialty Nomenclature, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 31(3), 529-535
Kleinbeck, S. V. M. (1999), Development of the Perioperative Nursing Data Set, AORN Journal, 70(1), 15-28
Rothrock, J. C., & Smith, D. A. (2000), Selecting the Perioperative Patient Focused Model, AORN Journal, 71, 1030-1037