About

Dr. Armine Lulejian is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Population and Public Health Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. She serves as the senior director of educational initiatives for the MESH Academy at USC, including the Health Innovation minor in partnership with the Iovine and Young Academy. In her role, she leads the development of educational programs at all levels to support innovation at the convergence of multiple disciplines. Dr. Lulejian has over 20 years of experience in teaching, research, and administration in health services, and she teaches undergraduate, graduate, and medical students across USC's programs. She has received two Provost's Interdisciplinary Teaching Awards at USC and has been recognized for her contributions to education through grants that supported the creation of courses such as 'Human Health and Technology' and 'Public Health Literacy, History and Pandemics.' Her academic background includes a doctorate in education (EdD) in health education from Columbia University Teachers College, an MS in health education from Columbia University, an MPH in epidemiology from UCLA, and undergraduate studies in Psychobiology with a minor in Near Eastern Studies at UCLA. Dr. Lulejian is also a certified health education specialist (CHES) and an emergency care technician.

Research topics

• Computer Science
• Data science
• Data Mining
• Computer Security
• Database
• Knowledge management
• Business
• Engineering
• Process management
• World Wide Web

Selected publications

• Digitalization of Follow-up Program for Children with Type 1 Diabetes

  Studies in health technology and informatics · 2025-06-26

  articleOpen access

  Digital registries are increasingly being used to collect and analyze data on children with chronic diseases especially for children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). These electronic platforms offer several advantages over traditional paper-based registries, including improved data quality, enhanced efficiency, and facilitated research. Most paediatric patients with diabetes have type 1 and a lifetime dependence on exogenous insulin. Clinical guidelines recommend multidisciplinary management of T1D, with follow-up visits with an endocrinologist at least every 3 months in the paediatric population. The digitalization of healthcare has revolutionized the way patients manage their conditions. It refers to 890 children with diabetes in Armenia: 99.4 % from all children were diagnosed as diabetes type 1. The aim of the study is to implement existing guidelines for patient journey and digitalized follow up of type 1 diabetic pediatric patients, with primary focus of decreasing follow-up in-person visits for rural patients.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Health Informatics Training Programs in LMICs: A Scoping Review

  Studies in health technology and informatics · 2025-06-26

  reviewOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  To better support health informatics training and mentorship programs in LMICs, evidence of past trainings in imperative. We set out to conduct a scoping review to explore and chart the evidence of health informatics education in LMICs to identify trends, successes, and pitfalls. Over 12,000 studies were screened and full text reviews conducted for 774 studies. With trending positive results, we acknowledge that is important to understand the landscape of health informatics and conduct needs assessment prior to establishing such a training program in an LMIC.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• National Gamete Registry: Closing the Gaps

  Studies in health technology and informatics · 2025-06-26

  articleOpen access

  The increasing availability of donor gametes has provided individuals and couples facing infertility with a valuable option for building a family. By accessing sperm, oocyte, or embryo donation services, those struggling to conceive can explore alternative pathways to parenthood. While national policies are well-written, understandable, and address many issues, certain gaps exist in the implementation process. The existing implementation gaps cannot be fully resolved solely through written policies. Digital tools allow to establish a centralized database for donor information, implement a system to track and manage donation frequency, monitor the availability of gametes from each donor, track the number of embryos created using each donor's gametes, maintain records of children born from each donor. Digital tools for the implementation of such program contribute to the safety, security, and ethical conduct of gamete donation and usage.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• ePrescription Datasets for Medication Management Digital Tools

  Studies in health technology and informatics · 2025-04-08

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Medication datasets being accurately exchanged throughout the digital tool is critical for functionality of ePrescription systems, which are considered as key components and drivers of digital health. e-Prescription systems testing shall be in place to ensure patient safety, data integrity, and confidentiality requirements.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Managing Patients With COVID-19 in Armenia Using a Remote Monitoring System: Descriptive Study

  JMIR Public Health and Surveillance · 2024-07-21 · 4 citations

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed immense stress on global health care systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Armenia, a middle-income country in the Caucasus region, contended with the pandemic and a concurrent war, resulting in significant demand on its already strained health care infrastructure. The COVID@home program was a multi-institution, international collaboration to address critical hospital bed shortages by implementing a home-based oxygen therapy and remote monitoring program. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe the program protocol and clinical outcomes of implementing an early discharge program in Armenia through a collaboration of partner institutions, which can inform the future implementation of COVID-19 remote home monitoring programs, particularly in LMICs or low-resource settings. METHODS: Seven hospitals in Yerevan participated in the COVID@home program. A web app based on OpenMRS was developed to facilitate data capture and care coordination. Patients meeting eligibility criteria were enrolled during hospitalization and monitored daily while on oxygen at home. Program evaluation relied on data extraction from (1) eligibility and enrollment forms, (2) daily monitoring forms, and (3) discharge forms. RESULTS: Over 11 months, 439 patients were screened, and 221 patients were managed and discharged. Around 94% (n=208) of participants safely discontinued oxygen therapy at home, with a median home monitoring duration of 26 (IQR 15-45 days; mean 32.33, SD 25.29) days. Women (median 28.5, mean 35.25 days) had similar length of stay to men (median 26, mean 32.21 days; P=.75). Despite challenges in data collection and entry, the program demonstrated feasibility and safety, with a mortality rate below 1% and low re-admission rate. Opportunities for operational and data quality improvements were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes practical evidence on the implementation and outcomes of a remote monitoring program in Armenia, offering insights into managing patients with COVID-19 in resource-constrained settings. The COVID@home program's success provides a model for remote patient care, potentially alleviating strain on health care resources in LMICs. Policymakers can draw from these findings to inform the development of adaptable health care solutions during public health crises, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches in resource-limited environments.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Managing Patients With COVID-19 in Armenia Using a Remote Monitoring System: Descriptive Study (Preprint)

  2024-02-26

  preprintOpen access

  <sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed immense stress on global health care systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Armenia, a middle-income country in the Caucasus region, contended with the pandemic and a concurrent war, resulting in significant demand on its already strained health care infrastructure. The COVID@home program was a multi-institution, international collaboration to address critical hospital bed shortages by implementing a home-based oxygen therapy and remote monitoring program. </sec> <sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> The objective of this study was to describe the program protocol and clinical outcomes of implementing an early discharge program in Armenia through a collaboration of partner institutions, which can inform the future implementation of COVID-19 remote home monitoring programs, particularly in LMICs or low-resource settings. </sec> <sec> <title>METHODS</title> Seven hospitals in Yerevan participated in the COVID@home program. A web app based on OpenMRS was developed to facilitate data capture and care coordination. Patients meeting eligibility criteria were enrolled during hospitalization and monitored daily while on oxygen at home. Program evaluation relied on data extraction from (1) eligibility and enrollment forms, (2) daily monitoring forms, and (3) discharge forms. </sec> <sec> <title>RESULTS</title> Over 11 months, 439 patients were screened, and 221 patients were managed and discharged. Around 94% (n=208) of participants safely discontinued oxygen therapy at home, with a median home monitoring duration of 26 (IQR 15-45 days; mean 32.33, SD 25.29) days. Women (median 28.5, mean 35.25 days) had similar length of stay to men (median 26, mean 32.21 days; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;=.75). Despite challenges in data collection and entry, the program demonstrated feasibility and safety, with a mortality rate below 1% and low re-admission rate. Opportunities for operational and data quality improvements were identified. </sec> <sec> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> This study contributes practical evidence on the implementation and outcomes of a remote monitoring program in Armenia, offering insights into managing patients with COVID-19 in resource-constrained settings. The COVID@home program’s success provides a model for remote patient care, potentially alleviating strain on health care resources in LMICs. Policymakers can draw from these findings to inform the development of adaptable health care solutions during public health crises, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches in resource-limited environments. </sec>

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Lung cancer screening beliefs in Armenia

  Frontiers in Oncology · 2023-06-16 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Introduction: In Armenia, an upper-middle income country, 93% of deaths are from non-communicable diseases and over half of the male population smokes. Armenia has more than double the global lung cancer incidence. Over 80% of lung cancer is diagnosed at stages III or IV. However, there is a significant mortality benefit in detecting early-stage lung cancer via screening with low-dose computed tomography. Methods: This study employed a rigorously-translated, previously-validated survey based on the Expanded Health Belief Model to understand how Armenian male smokers' beliefs would affect lung cancer screening participation. Results: Survey responses highlighted key health beliefs that would mediate screening participation. Most respondents felt they were at risk for lung cancer, but over 50% also believed their cancer risk was equivalent to (or less than) non-smokers' risk. Respondents also overwhelmingly agreed a scan could help detect cancer earlier, but fewer agreed early detection could reduce cancer mortality. Important barriers included absence of symptoms and costs of screening and treatment. Discussion: Overall, the potential to reduce lung cancer-related deaths in Armenia is high, but there are a number of central health beliefs and barriers that would limit screening uptake and effectiveness. Improved health education, careful consideration of socioeconomic screening barriers, and appropriate screening recommendations may be useful in overcoming these beliefs.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Integration of Laboratory Data into a National Electronic Health Record (EHR)

  Studies in health technology and informatics · 2023 · 4 citations

  Senior authorCorresponding
  • Computer Science
  • Computer Science
  • Computer Security

  This paper discusses the development and implementation of an API to integrate external laboratory information systems with a national e-health operator using LOINC codes as a standard measurement vocabulary. The integration provides many benefits, including reduced risk of medical errors, unnecessary tests, and administrative burden on healthcare providers. Security measures were implemented to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive patient information. The "Armed eHealth" mobile application was developed to allow patients to access their lab test results directly on their mobile devices. The implementation of the universal coding system has improved communication, reduced duplications, and improved the quality of care for patients in Armenia. Overall, the integration of the universal coding system for lab tests has had a positive impact on the healthcare system in Armenia.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Health Informatics Training Program in Low and Middle Income Countries

  Studies in health technology and informatics · 2023-05-18 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  We developed the first health informatics training program in Armenia and in the Caucasus region. The training program consists of four educational pillars, including a bootcamp, an individualized training program, a capstone, and a scholarly project. We conducted surveys and qualitative interviews to evaluate the training program. With trending positive results we acknowledge that it is important to understand the landscape of health informatics and conduct needs assessment prior to establishing such a training program in an LMIC.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Development of an OpenMRS-OMOP ETL tool to support informatics research and collaboration in LMICs

  Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine Update · 2023 · 2 citations

  • Computer Science
  • Data Mining
  • Computer Science

  As more low and middle-income countries (LMICs) implement electronic health record systems (EHRs), informatics has become an important component of global health. OpenMRS is a popular open-source EHR that has been implemented in over 60 countries. As in high income countries, interoperability and research capabilities remain a challenge. The Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) is one of the most relevant common data models (CDM) to support EHR-based research and data sharing, but its adoption has been limited in LMICs. To address this gap, we developed an OpenMRS to OMOP extract, transform, and load (ETL) tool using Talend. We built on existing documentation to develop a comprehensive concept map from OpenMRS to OMOP. The OMOP domains were reviewed for overlapping concepts in OpenMRS, and a core set of tables were selected for ETL development. Specific variables were then identified from OpenMRS tables which mapped to OMOP domain fields. Afterwards, the ETL tool was developed using MySQL Workbench, PostgreSQL, and Talend. Seven of 14 OMOP domains were selected for ETL pipeline development . The location, person, and provider domains required the least amount of Talend job components, which involved ≤2 tDBInputs, 1 tMap, and 1 tDBOutput . Care_site, observation_period, observation, and person_death all required additional Talend components to properly transform the respective data fields. It took 15 minutes to transform 9,932 OpenMRS observation records to OMOP. It is feasible to develop a free, open-source ETL pipeline to transform clinical data in OpenMRS instances into OMOP. Processing large datasets is swift and scalable with potential for more improvement. Using this tool alongside OpenMRS can dramatically increase the potential for global health informatics collaborations and building local infrastructure and research capacity. Further testing and development will be required prior to widespread dissemination, along with appropriate documentation and training resources.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Juan Espinoza

  Lurie Children's Hospital

  5 shared

• Abu Sikder

  Children's Hospital of Los Angeles

  4 shared

• James Dickhoner

  Children's Hospital of Los Angeles

  4 shared

• Barry A. Levine

  San Francisco State University

  4 shared

• Shant Shekherdimian

  University of California, Los Angeles

  3 shared

• Mark W. Reid

  Children's Hospital of Los Angeles

  2 shared

• Daniel Zhao

  New York Medical College

  2 shared

• Lusine Aslanyan

  American University of Armenia

  2 shared

Awards & honors

• Provost's Interdisciplinary Teaching Awards at USC
• teaching grant for 'Human Health and Technology' (2019)
• grant for 'Public Health Literacy, History and Pandemics' (2…