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Abstract Background Falls are common in stroke survivors returning home after rehabilitation, however there is currently a lack of evidence about preventing falls in this population. This paper describes the study protocol for the FLASSH (FaLls prevention After Stroke Survivors return Home) project. Methods and design This randomised controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-factorial falls prevention program for stroke survivors who are at high risk of falling when they return home after rehabilitation. Intervention will consist of a home exercise program as well as individualised falls prevention and injury minimisation strategies based on identified risk factors for falls. Additionally, two sub-studies will be implemented in order to explore other key areas related to falls in this population. The first of these is a longitudinal study evaluating the relationship between fear of falling, falls and function over twelve months, and the second evaluates residual impairment in gait stability and obstacle crossing twelve months after discharge from rehabilitation. Discussion The results of the FLASSH project will inform falls prevention practice for stroke survivors. If the falls prevention program is shown to be effective, low cost strategies to prevent falls can be implemented for those at risk around the time of discharge from rehabilitation, thus improving safety and quality of life for stroke survivors. The two sub-studies will contribute to the overall understanding and management of falls risk in stroke survivors. Trial registration This trial is registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN012607000398404).

The economic consequences of antibiotic prophylaxis and therapy for bacterial infections in humans are profound. The reduction in real-dollar terms in the amount of illness and disability resulting from the use of developed and marketed antibiotics far outweighs costs of adverse effects, including resistance. Although bacterial infections continue to cause substantial mortality and morbidity worldwide, standard criteria for assessing the relation of infection to death or the contribution of resistance to mortality and morbidity do not exist. While local outbreaks of resistance may have serious consequences, bacterial susceptibility to antimicrobial therapy has remained virtually unchanged nationally where studied. Nevertheless, discriminating use of antimicrobial agents is held widely to be the keystone for minimizing resistance. It is not clear whether risk of selecting resistance is lowered by current community or clinical practices. Some analysts concentrate on the "problem" and "cost" of resistance and forget the benefits of the use of antibiotics. Development of resistance is a natural consequence of antibiotic use, but further quantification of this relation is required. Reports that resistance is increasing worldwide have presented a scientific challenge and economic opportunity to the pharmaceutical industry for the development of new antimicrobial agents. However, if a reasonable rate of return cannot be foreseen, capital for research and development is likely to be invested in areas that appear more financially attractive.