Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is performed more frequently on individuals who are older and sicker than in previous years. Increased patient acuity and reduced hospital length of stays leave individuals ill prepared for their recovery following discharge. Individuals experience pain, functional impairment and depressive symptoms following discharge, which persist for 8 weeks in 50% of individuals. Unrelieved pain, functional decline and depressive symptoms predispose individuals to adverse events, impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and increased morbidity and mortality.