BackgroundIndividualised optimisation of mechanical ventilation (MV) remains cumbersome in modern intensive care medicine. Computerised, model-based support systems could help in tailoring MV settings to the complex interactions between MV and the individual patient's pathophysiology. Therefore, we critically appraised the current literature on computational physiological models (CPMs) for individualised MV in the ICU with a focus on quality, availability, and clinical readiness.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted on 13 February 2023 in MEDLINE ALL, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science to identify original research articles describing CPMs for individualised MV in the ICU. The modelled physiological phenomena, clinical applications, and level of readiness were extracted. The quality of model design reporting and validation was assessed based on American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standards.ResultsOut of 6,333 unique publications, 149 publications were included. CPMs emerged since the 1970s with increasing levels of readiness. A total of 131 articles (88%) modelled lung mechanics, mainly for lung-protective ventilation. Gas exchange (n= 38, 26%) and gas homeostasis (n= 36, 24%) models had mainly applications in controlling oxygenation and ventilation. Respiratory muscle function models for diaphragm-protective ventilation emerged recently (n= 3, 2%). Three randomised controlled trials were initiated, applying the Beacon and CURE Soft models for gas exchange and PEEP optimisation. Overall, model design and quality were reported unsatisfactory in 93% and 21% of the articles, respectively.ConclusionCPMs are advancing towards clinical application as an explainable tool to optimise individualised MV. To promote clinical application, dedicated standards for quality assessment and model reporting are essential.Trial registration numberPROSPERO—CRD42022301715. Registered 05 February, 2022.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13054-023-04549-9.