Which statement best describes retrospective supervision?

• A. It involves daily live observation by a supervisor.
• B. It relies on chart reviews and monthly meetings to review supervision.
• C. It requires the supervisor to be present in the room during patient care.
• D. It is identical to general supervision.

Answer: (B)

Retrospective supervision centers on looking back at what happened and using documented records to assess performance. It relies on reviewing charts or case notes and then discussing them in scheduled, typically monthly, meetings. This creates a feedback loop grounded in past work rather than real-time observation.

That’s why the description focusing on chart reviews and monthly meetings best fits retrospective supervision. It contrasts with daily, live observation or being present in the room during patient care, which are real-time forms of supervision, and it isn’t simply the same as general supervision, which is a broader concept of oversight.