GlobalData Report: North Americans ‘Worst Informed on Pharma GDPR’

A report released by digital media company GlobalData last month revealed that just 54% of North Americans in the global pharmaceuticals industry think they are informed about the new European Union General Data Protection Regulation. This is as opposed to the 84% figure for Europeans – and 67% for those in the Asia-Pacific region – employed in the same sector.

The press release published by GlobalData along with the publication of the report said that those residing in North American are the least likely to think that they are adequately informed about the requirements of GDPR. The report surveyed employees from industry sectors who were asked about amendments to their business practice due to GDPR, as well as their feelings in relation to the new law. From the survey results GlobalData reviewed those given by employees from the pharmaceuticals sector. The aim of the study was to gain a better understanding of the factors which affect the healthcare sector and determine obstacles to GDPR compliance.

Senior pharma analyst at GlobalData Thomas Moore stated: “These results suggest that those in the U[nited] S[tates] pharmaceuticals industry may be less prepared than in other regions when it comes to adopting the new business practices needed to meet requirements set out by the GDPR. This observation could be due to GDPR having arguably less of a direct impact on companies operating in North America than those in other global regions, which are often more dependent on EU business operations.”

He went on to say: “GDPR was a piece of legislation brought into effect by the EU on May 25, 2018, which aims to provide EU citizens with greater rights and control regarding the processing and distribution of their personal data. Due to the complexity of the regulations, it is essential that businesses stay highly informed should they wish to continue operating within EU member states. GlobalData’s report aims to provide insight on how companies in the healthcare industry have responded to GDPR globally.”

You can see the complete report here: GDPR in the Healthcare Industry