Which of the following technologies is most commonly associated with shortening overall hospital stays?

Robotic surgical systems are indeed most commonly associated with shortening overall hospital stays due to their ability to perform minimally invasive procedures. These systems enhance precision and reduce the trauma associated with traditional open surgeries. As a result, patients often experience less pain, quicker recovery times, and are able to be discharged sooner from the hospital.

Minimally invasive surgeries typically result in smaller incisions, leading to fewer complications and faster healing. This efficiency not only benefits patient outcomes but also helps hospitals manage bed occupancy and resource allocation more effectively. The advanced technology of robotic systems allows surgeons to perform complex surgeries with greater control, which can further minimize the risks of extended hospital stays due to post-operative complications.

Although telehealth consultations, wearable health monitors, and 3D printing for medical devices contribute positively to healthcare, their primary roles differ from directly influencing the length of hospital stays in the same way robotic surgical systems do. Telehealth primarily focuses on outpatient care and remote consultations, wearable health monitors help in managing chronic conditions but do not impact surgical recovery directly, and 3D printing is advantageous for creating customized medical devices but does not inherently shorten the duration of hospital stays like the efficiencies gained through robotic surgeries.