FIGOstadier

FIGOstadier is a fictional term used to describe a staged framework for obstetric care. It is not an official designation of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) nor a term adopted by the medical community in real-world practice.

Origins and usage

The concept appears in speculative fiction and in academic thought experiments that explore how obstetric services might be organized and resourced across different health-system contexts. The name combines FIGO, a real medical federation, with a word-form related to stages or levels, signaling a progression of care rather than a specific clinical protocol.

Conceptual framework

In its typical fictional or pedagogical use, FIGOstadier envisions a progression of care levels from basic to advanced. Stage I corresponds to primary, community-based obstetric care with minimal specialized intervention. Stage II involves enhanced capabilities at district or secondary facilities, including trained personnel and essential emergency readiness. Stage III represents regional centers with more comprehensive services, including anesthesia and surgical capabilities. Stage IV denotes fully equipped tertiary centers with multidisciplinary teams and intensive-care support. The framework is designed as a thought experiment to discuss access, triage, and resource allocation rather than as a hard clinical standard.

Status and reception

FIGOstadier is not recognized by FIGO or by major medical societies as an official framework. It is mainly used as a teaching metaphor or in fictional settings to illuminate issues of equity, logistics, and system design. Real obstetric guidelines continue to be guided by established FIGO recommendations and country-specific policies.

See also

FIGO, obstetric risk assessment, healthcare systems, medical education.